Our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all shaped by the trauma we experience. Even after the initial event has passed, its effects continue to reverberate through our lives. We can take charge of our own healing and recovery by learning to identify the signs of trauma and how to cope with them.
Extreme Feelings: Anxiety, dread, rage, and depression are some of the extreme feelings that trauma survivors may face. Intense emotions that appear out of proportion to the actual circumstance can be triggered by even unrelated triggers.
As a coping mechanism, people may learn to ignore or put off feelings related to the traumatic event, or they may turn to substances, overwork, or other forms of distraction. Avoidance is a common way that people impede their own growth and healing.
People who have been through traumatic experiences often experience hyperarousal and hypervigilance, which manifest as a constant state of alarm or “on guard” behavior. Because of this hyperarousal, even in safe environments, one finds it difficult to relax and feel secure.
Flashbacks and intrusive memories: traumatic experiences can return uninvitedly as strong mental images or episodes. These reoccurring memories have the potential to cause severe psychological and physiological distress, as well as disruptions to everyday life.
Difficulty in Connecting with Others: Trauma can damage relationships by making people distrustful, unable to express themselves clearly, and afraid to be vulnerable. Building and keeping healthy boundaries can be challenging for survivors.
Various physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, exhaustion, sleep disturbances, or impaired immune function, can be seen as physical manifestations of trauma. These physical symptoms are a reflection of how traumatic experiences impact the mind-body connection.
Some people try to manage their emotional pain by engaging in self-destructive behaviors like self-harm, excessive risk-taking, or eating disorders. While these actions may provide short-term relief from pain, they ultimately lead to more problems down the road.
Every aspect of daily life is affected by trauma; it seeps into our ideas, feelings, actions, and connections. Mental health professionals and self-care practices that foster healing and resilience can be accessed when we are aware of the ways trauma can present itself. Keep in mind that your traumatic experiences do not define you, and that with the right amount of time and support, you can recover and move on with your life.
